Valuing Ideas Supporting Guilford Youth

If you're a member of a local organization with a great idea that highlights, empowers, or strengthens positive values that Guilford youth contribute to the community, a Youth Advisory Group (YAG) grant could help fund the idea. The current grant deadline is Sunday, Oct. 30.

YAG was created by a recently formed partnership between the Guilford Foundation with the Guilford High School (GHS) Rotary Interact club.

"The Interact Club was recognized by the Guilford Foundation as the youth group it wished to align itself with to promote youthful philanthropy," said Rotary member Allen Jacobs, who serves as both GHS Interact advisor and a YAG advisor.

GHS Interact Club members serve as YAG Student Advisory Committee members to the Guilford Foundation, and review, evaluate, and recommend potential grant recipients from the fund. As members of YAG, the students also go through a training program to learn how to write and fund grants. In 2010, the Guilford Foundation donated the an initial matching $5,000 to the YAG fund and guaranteed availability of additional matching grants of up to $5,000 in fiscal years 2011, 2012 and 2013.

"Last year, the group did an amazing job and raised up to $5,000, and the Guilford Foundation agreed to match the amount of money we raised dollar for dollar, so YAG had a hold of $10,000," said Belinda Sam, student secretary for the group. "We solicited grant applications, reviewed them, and awarded the money through grants to four worthy causes."

In May 2010, YAG granted $2,000 to Boys Coach/Boys Run through the Women & Family Life Center, $1,500 to purchase two kayaks for public use at Lake Quonnipaug through the Guilford Parks & Recreation Depratment, and $1,000 for back-to-school supplies furnished through Guilford Youth & Family Services. The group was also a platinum sponsor of the 2011 Guilford Fourth of July Fireworks display.

YAG is proud to announce new grant opportunities for local organizations with an idea for a future project that fits YAG's mission. Email Allen Jacobs at allen@sunset-creek.com to request a grant application; grant deadline is Sunday, Oct. 301. Guilford High School students interested in becoming more involved in community service and this active group may contact Jacobs or Laura Samperi at samperil@guilford.k12.ct.us or at the GHS guidance office.

Email Allen Jacobs at allen@sunset-creek.com or patricia.dechiara@yale.edu to request a grant application; grant deadline is Sunday, Oct. 30.